North Bank is analyzing Belle Corp.'s financial statements for a possible extension of credit. Belle's quick ratio is significantly better than the industry average. Which one of the following factors should North consider as a possible limitation of using this ratio when evaluating Belle's creditworthiness?

A. Fluctuating market prices of short-term investments may adversely affect the ratio.

B. Increasing market prices for Belle's inventory may adversely affect the ratio.

C. Belle may need to sell its available-for-sale investments to meet its current obligations.

D. Belle may need to liquidate its inventory to meet its long-term obligations.

A) Fluctuating market prices of short-term investments may adversely affect the ratio.

Explanation:

The quick ratio (or acid test) measures a company's ability to pay short term liabilities using its liquid assets. usually the best quick ratio is 1, because it means that your liquid current assets cover completely your current liabilities.

There are two formulas to calculate the quick ratio:

quick ratio = (cash + marketable securities + accounts receivables) / current liabilities quick ratio = (current assets - inventory - prepaid expenses) / current liabilities

The quick ratio includes the value of short term investments, and any fluctuation in their price may affect the ratio.